How to Choose the Right Laundry Hamper for Allergies

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, one out of every four U.S. citizens suffers from allergies or asthma. Of those, about 40 million suffer from indoor or outdoor allergies like cat dander, mold spores, dust mites, and tree, grass and weed pollen. If you or someone you love suffers from allergies, you know an important consideration is making your home as allergen-free as possible. One often-overlooked precaution is the clothes hamper. Every hamper in your home is a major source of allergens, so it makes sense to select your laundry hampers carefully.

Instructions

• 1

  Choose a hamper made of plastic or other man-made materials. These are easy to clean with a damp sponge or some soap and water. Laundry hampers made from cane, wicker, wood and similar materials trap dust and other allergens and are difficult to clean thoroughly, even with a vacuum.

• 2

  Select a hamper with a removable fabric liner. The liner can be thrown into the laundry and made allergen-free by washing in hot water.

• 3

  Look for a hamper with a lid. Although it probably won't be air-tight, a lid can help prevent allergens from escaping the hamper.

• 4

  Choose a smaller hamper. It's easier to let clothes covered with allergens sit in a larger clothes hamper, thereby making your allergies worse. A smaller hamper encourages more frequent washings.

• 5

  Consider a short hamper. Tall hampers are more difficult to clean--something you'll want to do frequently to keep down allergens.